In 2024, Africa grappled with a perfect storm of crises, with climate change, migrant tragedies, health emergencies, and ongoing conflicts wreaking havoc across the continent.
Rising temperatures, severe droughts, and devastating floods left millions vulnerable. In northeastern Nigeria, a dam burst in September, killing at least 37 people and displacing over 400,000. Somalia’s catastrophic drought affected nearly 7 million people, making it the hungriest nation on Earth.
Meanwhile, migrant deaths surged as people sought to escape conflict and poverty. According to Caminando Fronteras, over 10,000 people died attempting to reach Spain by sea, highlighting the desperate need for safer migration options and better border management.
On the health front, Africa also faced a significant mpox outbreak, with Congo suffering the highest toll. The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency as more than 1,300 suspected deaths were recorded.
Amid these challenges, ongoing armed conflicts in countries like Mali, South Sudan, and Ethiopia caused further devastation. Over 35 conflicts raged across the continent, displacing millions and destabilizing economies. Security expert Kazeem Olalekan noted that governments have failed to address the root causes of these crises, including the proliferation of arms and inadequate healthcare.
Experts stress the need for global cooperation to address climate impacts, create safer migration pathways, and push for peacebuilding efforts to address the underlying causes of these ongoing conflicts.
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